St Pellegrino, The Hold of Tears

Background


Nestled in the valley of Mount Evian, St Pellegrino lies at the very tip of Aurelia’s northern landmass, just before the storm-borne waters of the Northern Pass. Despite its proximity to the ocean, St Pellegrino’s advantageous position ensures that it is not only bolstered from The Maelstrom’s violence, but also that the cool, moisture-laden winds carry with them the rainfall needed to sustain life. Especially given that the mountain is sacred to the Everspring, Bringer of Relief and Mercy, St Pellegrino is also commonly referred to as Evian’s City, or, in reference to its strong military alliance with the Saline Settlements, the Hold of Tears.

Given its religious significance, it follows naturally that St Pellegrino is governed by an Evian theocracy, with clerics as the ruling class. While this might seem fairly normal, it is worthwhile to note that Evian’s alignment means that St Pellegrino is primarily lawful good – a uncommon occurance in a world that understands the value of neutrality and balance. Nevertheless this has attracted a good many people who desire the stability and protection that a lawful good society can offer, and has led to the prosperity of the city since its founding.

Despite the overarching religious sentiment within the city, St Pellegrino is officially tolerant of other faiths and beliefs within its walls – so long as they do not disturb the peace. In particular, Evian shares an alliance with Dettol, The All-Clean, The All-Pure, deity of unwavering law and purity, worshipped primarily by the Battle-clerics of the Saline Settlements. As a display of this friendship, Dettol’s clerics and paladins form the bulk of the city’s law enforcement, ensuring that peace is kept within its walls. In return, the Saline Settlements receive supplies and grain from the fertile lands of St Pellegrino.

Naturally, not every member of the city shares the same upright values. Like every society, St Pellegrino has its own underbelly; a recently increasing income gap has been driving increasing numbers of people to a life of crime and worse. Various cults have also recognised this dissent as fertile ground to spread their heresies among the people. In recent days, these tensions have somewhat intensified due to a creeping drought that has begun to seep into the lands and even into the surrounding mountains – a sure sign of Evian’s displeasure.